By Misty Barron
Rosa Parks, a civil rights icon who is widely known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Alabama bus boycott of 1955, lived in Michigan for over five decades. After the boycott, Parks faced immense pressure and intimidation in Montgomery, prompting her to leave the city and move north to Detroit with her husband, Raymond.
Parks arrived in Detroit in 1957, where she found a thriving community of Black activists who were working towards achieving racial justice and equality. She quickly became involved in various civil rights activities and organizations, including the Detroit chapter of the NAACP, where she worked as a secretary.
One of her most significant contributions to the civil rights movement during her time in Michigan was her involvement in the fight against housing discrimination. In the 1960s, Detroit was one of the most segregated cities in the United States, and Parks worked tirelessly to help Black families find affordable and safe housing.
In 1965, Parks joined forces with activist and attorney Robert Carter to form the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development. This was an organization dedicated to helping young people develop leadership skills and promoting racial harmony. The organization continues to operate today, offering educational and leadership opportunities to young people across the country.
Parks remained a prominent figure in Michigan until her death in 2005. She was awarded numerous accolades and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal, and the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal.
In recognition of her contributions to the civil rights movement and her impact on American history, several landmarks in the state have been named in Parks’ honor. These include the Rosa Parks Transit Center in downtown Detroit and the Rosa Parks Circle in Grand Rapids. In 2021, The Rosa Parks and Raymond Flat was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Parks’ time in Michigan was a significant period in her life, during which she continued to advocate for racial justice and equality. Her legacy lives on in the mitten state and across the country, as her actions continue to inspire and motivate people to fight for social justice and equality.
